Saying ‘there’s no time’ is no excuse- Defence Secretary

It is our duty to lend a helping hand to individuals who have artistic talents and open avenues for them to reach global platforms, Defence Secretary, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said.

“It’s no excuse to say there is no time”, he noted, while adding that time restrictions aren’t an issue to produce a sound artwork/writing.

The role of an artist/author is to foster a better society through research-based, visionary and resourceful artistic creativity, Gunaratne, who himself is an author, told a ceremony to felicitate contemporary novelists/authors at the Colombo District Secretariat auditorium on Tuesday.

“Fine artworks and pieces of writing would always transform a distraught readership mind-set into a peaceful setup”, he emphasized, while illustrating the value of remarkable creations.

Sound creations, irrespective of commercial gains, would always speak to the heart, he outlined at the event, where he was the chief guest.

Describing former legendary Sri Lankan authors as “role models”, the war veteran said “their renowned names are still within our living memories”.

Referring to the Kotte era, the golden age of literature, which saw the emergence of notable and renowned artworks and poems, Gunaratne, who also serves as Secretary of the State Ministry of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management, underlined that “we should encourage the younger generation to pursue extracurricular activities and recognize their innate talents envisioning a better future”.

The Defence Secretary expressed his gratitude to Colombo district Government Agent, Pradeep Yasarathne and his staff for organizing an event of this magnitude to felicitate contemporary authors, who have remained largely unnoticed in the past.

The venerable Maha Sanga, Adviser to the Public Administration Ministry, Mahinda Madihahewa, Secretary to the Western Province Ministry of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Cultural & Arts and Information Technology, Sirisoma Lokuwithana, regional and state officials, invitees, artists, authors and students were also present.